Colorado Mesa University’s men’s basketball team has clinched one of the coveted eight spots in the South Central Regional of the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament. With an impressive regular-season record and a strong showing in the RMAC Conference Tournament, the Mavericks have secured the No. 5 seed in the region, marking their third-highest seeding among RMAC teams this season.
First-Round Matchup Against Angelo State
In the first round, Colorado Mesa will face off against Angelo State, the No. 4 seed in the regional tournament. Angelo State, finishing as both the regular-season and tournament runners-up in the Lone Star Conference, presents a formidable challenge for the Mavericks.
The game between Colorado Mesa and Angelo State is scheduled for Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. MT (7:30 p.m. local) at the First United Bank Center on the campus of top seed West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas. This matchup will be the final of four first-round matches to take place on that court on Saturday.
Selection Seeds and Bracket Overview
West Texas A&M secured the top seed after clinching both the Lone Star Tournament title and regular-season title. The surprise selection of West Texas A&M as the top seed came after Fort Lewis’ strong performance, securing the No. 2 seed in the regional.
Colorado School of Mines made a significant leap to the No. 3 seed after defeating Fort Lewis in the final days of the regular season and performing well in the RMAC Tournament. The Mavericks dropped to the No. 5 seed after a loss in the tournament, while Angelo State maintained its position at No. 4.
The bracket places Colorado Mesa alongside three Lone Star schools, promising challenging matchups ahead. If the Mavericks advance past Angelo State, they will face the winner of the preceding game between West Texas A&M and Texas A&M-Kingsville.
Defensive Battle on the Horizon
The first-round matchup between Colorado Mesa and Angelo State features a showdown between the RMAC and Lone Star Defensive Players of the Year. Colorado Mesa’s Mac Riniker and Angelo State’s Steve Webb lead their respective conferences in steals and are key defensive assets for their teams.
Both Colorado Mesa and Angelo State boast impressive defensive statistics, holding opponents to an average of 65.5 points per game. This defensive prowess places both teams among the top 26 in Division II scoring defense.
Key Players and Team Statistics
Colorado Mesa enters the tournament with a strong lineup and impressive team statistics. Guard Blaise Threatt leads the team in scoring, averaging 19.2 points per game, while Trevor Baskin adds 14 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. The Mavericks excel in forcing turnovers and capitalizing on offensive opportunities, ranking in the top 20 nationally in both field goal percentage and three-point percentage.
Déjà vu?
The 2023 NCAA Tournament presents a familiar scenario for Colorado Mesa, reminiscent of their historic run in the previous season. With similarities in their regular-season performance and tournament seeding, the Mavericks aim to replicate or surpass last year’s success.
NCAA Tournament History
Colorado Mesa’s qualification for the Division II NCAA Tournament marks the ninth time in program history. While the Mavericks have had limited success on the national stage, recent tournament victories have bolstered their resume.
About Angelo State
Angelo State presents a formidable opponent for Colorado Mesa, boasting a strong record and talented roster. Led by Kevon Godwin and Steve Webb, Angelo State features a balanced scoring attack and solid defensive presence.
Conference Supremacy
While the Lone Star Conference boasts two top-seeded teams in the regional tournament, the RMAC has garnered attention for its competitive conference tournament. With all four RMAC teams nationally ranked, the conference showcases its depth and talent.
Coach’s Corner
Head Coach Mike DeGeorge has guided Colorado Mesa to unprecedented success since his arrival, leading the team to multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. His leadership and coaching acumen will be instrumental as the Mavericks strive for further postseason success.
As Colorado Mesa prepares to embark on its NCAA Tournament journey, fans eagerly anticipate thrilling matchups and the opportunity for the Mavericks to showcase their talent on the national stage.
